Fall is one of the best times to reseed a lawn in Colorado, especially with cool-season grasses
Tips for fall lawn reseeding in Colorado
Before you begin any reseeding process, consider aerating the lawn first. This improves soil condition and won't harm tender grass roots like aeration can do when done in the Spring.
Dethatching vs. aerating information is here.
1. Start early
Aim to reseed late August through mid-September in our area of Colorado. At higher elevations, we have to start earlier than those in lower elevations. You want roughly 4-6 weeks of growing weather before consistent freezing temperatures arrive.
2. Choose the right grass seed
Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, and dryland grasses are common choices in our area. You can even try a blend of grasses for good success.
3. Prepare the soil first
Mow the existing lawn short - about 1½–2 inches - and remove excess thatch. Rake or lightly scarify bare areas so the seed has good contact with soil. If the soil is compacted, core aeration before seeding can make a big difference.
4. Don't bury the seed
Grass seed needs contact with the soil but shouldn't be deeply buried. Lightly rake it into the surface and, if possible, use a roller to improve seed-to-soil contact.
5. Keep the seedbed consistently moist
This is probably the most important step. Water lightly and frequently at first so the surface doesn't dry out. Once seedlings emerge, gradually reduce frequency and increase watering depth.
6. Don't overfertilize
A soil test is the best way to determine what your lawn actually needs. If appropriate, a starter fertilizer with phosphorus can help establishment, but don't automatically add nitrogen without knowing what's already in the soil.
7. Avoid heavy traffic
Keep people and pets off newly seeded areas until the grass is established. You may need to place a temporary fence around the area where you've seeded.
8. Keep mowing once the seedlings are ready
Once the new grass reaches about 3-4 inches, begin mowing. Never remove more than about one-third of the blade at a time. Grass that is kept at about 3 inches tall helps to shade the ground it is growing in, allowing it to thrive instead of fry.
A Colorado Fall bonus
Cooler temperatures and Fall moisture generally mean less evaporation and less heat stress, allowing grass roots to establish before winter. A well-established root system going into winter gives you a much stronger lawn next Spring.
IMPORTANT: If you're reseeding in late September or October at around 6,300 feet, be cautious. You may be better off waiting until Spring rather than putting seed down too late for adequate establishment.
Before you begin any reseeding process, consider aerating the lawn first. This improves soil condition and won't harm tender grass roots like aeration can do when done in the Spring.
Dethatching vs. aerating information is here.
1. Start early
Aim to reseed late August through mid-September in our area of Colorado. At higher elevations, we have to start earlier than those in lower elevations. You want roughly 4-6 weeks of growing weather before consistent freezing temperatures arrive.
2. Choose the right grass seed
Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescues, and dryland grasses are common choices in our area. You can even try a blend of grasses for good success.
3. Prepare the soil first
Mow the existing lawn short - about 1½–2 inches - and remove excess thatch. Rake or lightly scarify bare areas so the seed has good contact with soil. If the soil is compacted, core aeration before seeding can make a big difference.
4. Don't bury the seed
Grass seed needs contact with the soil but shouldn't be deeply buried. Lightly rake it into the surface and, if possible, use a roller to improve seed-to-soil contact.
5. Keep the seedbed consistently moist
This is probably the most important step. Water lightly and frequently at first so the surface doesn't dry out. Once seedlings emerge, gradually reduce frequency and increase watering depth.
6. Don't overfertilize
A soil test is the best way to determine what your lawn actually needs. If appropriate, a starter fertilizer with phosphorus can help establishment, but don't automatically add nitrogen without knowing what's already in the soil.
7. Avoid heavy traffic
Keep people and pets off newly seeded areas until the grass is established. You may need to place a temporary fence around the area where you've seeded.
8. Keep mowing once the seedlings are ready
Once the new grass reaches about 3-4 inches, begin mowing. Never remove more than about one-third of the blade at a time. Grass that is kept at about 3 inches tall helps to shade the ground it is growing in, allowing it to thrive instead of fry.
A Colorado Fall bonus
Cooler temperatures and Fall moisture generally mean less evaporation and less heat stress, allowing grass roots to establish before winter. A well-established root system going into winter gives you a much stronger lawn next Spring.
IMPORTANT: If you're reseeding in late September or October at around 6,300 feet, be cautious. You may be better off waiting until Spring rather than putting seed down too late for adequate establishment.
The key to reseeding your lawn in the Fall is is getting seed established before the soil gets too cold.
